Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County, NJ – Senior Citizens can now learn if they qualify for property tax relief and all other relief programs currently offered by the state through an informative YouTube video.

The video can be viewed on the New Jersey Senior Citizens Council website njseniorcouncil.com.

“The new video is an informative tool for seniors and their families to explore the different relief programs available to them,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I would like to thank the NJ Senior Council for making this new resource available throughout our community.”

The YouTube video will highlight five kinds of property tax relief options available to seniors, senior freeze, homestead benefit, senior citizens annual property tax deduction, veterans’ property tax relief, and NJ state income tax relief: property tax deduction/credit.

“One of the programs, the Senior Freeze, returns a check for property taxes already paid.  The deadline for filing the 2019 Senior Freeze application is November 2, 2020,” said Ellen Steinberg, Director of the Senior Citizens Council.

For more information contact the Senior Citizens Council at 908-964-7555 or visit online at njseniorcouncil.com. The Senior Citizens Council is a non-profit organization founded in 1971 to assist older adults. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, please visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Michael Shephard and Union County VO-TECH Share $50,000 Award

Contact: David Connerty-Marin
207-831-3313
david.connertymarin@gmail.com

SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J.—An automotive technology teacher from Scotch Plains has been named a winner of the 2020 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, receiving $50,000 as part of $1 million awarded to 18 trades teachers nationwide today.

Michael Shephard, who teaches automotive technology at Union County Career and Technical Institute in Scotch Plains, will receive $50,000—including $35,000 for the school’s skilled trades program and $15,000 for him personally. He joins 14 other Prize winners, who each received $50,000, and three Grand Prize winners, who each received $100,000 as part of the annual prize.

“This year has been one of the toughest on record for skilled trades teachers as they switch between in-person, remote or blended learning—all while trying to do their life’s work of preparing the next generation of tradespeople,” said Danny Corwin, executive director of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. “At a time when tradespeople are more essential than ever, so is trades education. We are honored and grateful to have the chance to shine a spotlight on these teachers’ amazing work.”

Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Superintendent Gwendolyn Ryan said:  “Mr. Shephard brings valuable industry experience, great enthusiasm for Career and Technical Education, and a love of learning to the Automotive Technology students at the Union County Career and Technical Institute,” said .  We rely on industry partners to provide meaningful support of our programs.  We are grateful both for Harbor Freight Tools for Schools’ partnership and for recognizing Mr. Shephard for the commitment he has made to our students.  We could not be more proud of his initiative, his creativity and of this accomplishment!” 

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella said: “We congratulate Mr. Shephard for receiving this award and we thank Harbor Freight Tools for Schools for their partnership. We also thank Mr. Shephard for his commitment to his students and excellence in vocational education. Now more than ever, we must continue to develop the skills of our students who wish to work in vocational fields and deliver essential services.”

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence was started in 2017 by Eric Smidt, the founder of national tool retailer Harbor Freight Tools, to recognize outstanding instruction in the skilled trades in U.S. public high schools and the teachers who inspire students to learn skills to prepare for life after graduation. As recent research from JFF (formerly known as Jobs for the Future) and funded by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools found, students who “concentrate” (or take multiple trades courses as part of a program) are more likely to graduate than their peers. Upon graduation, students are prepared for either further education or work in fields that routinely rank among the hardest jobs to fill and that have come to be widely recognized as “essential” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Trades teachers are educating and developing the tradespeople of the future,” Smidt said.  “Many of the students in their classes today will become—as soon as next spring—the workers who keep our critical care infrastructure, our communication networks, our homes and cars up and running. The prize is our way of saying thank you to their teachers.”

Michael Shephard teaches automotive technology at Union County Career and Technical Institute in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. He has taught at UCCTI for four years. Shephard’s students learn how to rebuild engines by running diagnostics and performing repairs. During his time teaching, Shephard has expanded his program to include a third year, during which students fix customer cars. In the shop, Shephard teaches students according to their learning styles, using the Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, Kinesthetic (VARK) method. Upon completion of his program, 90 percent of Shephard’s students earn an Automotive Service Excellence certificate.

For a list of all 18 winners and finalists, click here.

Grand Prize winners will each receive $100,000, with $70,000 going to their public high school skilled trades program and $30,000 to the individual skilled trades teacher behind the winning program. The 15 Prize winners will each be awarded $50,000, with $35,000 going to their public high school program and $15,000 to the teacher. Because of school, district and/or state policy regarding individual cash awards, the schools of two teachers will receive the entire prize winnings. Cash awards given to schools will support winning teachers’ skilled trades programs. Individual winnings can be used however the winner wishes.

The 2020 prize drew more than 600 applications from 48 states and included three rounds of judging, each by an independent panel of experts from industry, education, trades, philanthropy and civic leadership. The application process, which included responses to questions and a series of learning modules, was designed to solicit each teacher’s experience, insights and creative ideas about their approach to teaching and success in helping their students achieve excellence in the skilled trades. All learning modules are available here.

In July, the field was narrowed to 50 finalists. The 32 finalists who were not named winners today will receive $1,000 gift cards from Harbor Freight Tools. Additionally, given the challenges teachers are facing due to COVID-19, teachers who applied for the prize but did not advance to become finalists were eligible to receive $100 gift cards from Harbor Freight Tools.

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About Harbor Freight Tools for Schools

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is a program of The Smidt Foundation, established by Harbor Freight Tools founder Eric Smidt, to advance excellent skilled trades education in public high schools across America. With a deep respect for the dignity of these fields and for the intelligence and creativity of people who work with their hands, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools aims to drive a greater understanding of and investment in skilled trades education, believing that access to quality skilled trades education gives high school students pathways to graduation, opportunity, good jobs and a workforce our country needs. Harbor Freight Tools is a major supporter of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools program. For more information, visit us at HarborFreightToolsforSchools.org and Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

Must register online beginning Monday, October 19^th at 9 a.m. to reserve spot

The Union County Freeholder Board is proud to present Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes in a drive-in concert on Saturday, October 24^th, 7 p.m. at the Union County Vocational Technical Schools Campus on 1776 Raritan Road.

Those interested in attending must reserve a spot for the free show online at www.ucnj.org/concert-register . First-come, first-served as spots will go fast. The registration link goes live on Monday, October 19^th, beginning at 9 a.m.

“Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are one of New Jersey’s most iconic rock acts and a favorite of so many fans around the world,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are excited to once again present them live and we are looking forward to an amazing show.”

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes have previously performed in Union County, with their last appearance being at Union County’s Musicfest concert in 2011 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

Playing a classic blend of searing rock, soul, and blues accompanied by a solid guitar sound and a blistering horn section, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes have recorded more than 30 albums and toured all over the world during the past five decades. They are, along with close friend and frequent collaborator Bruce Springsteen, and later, Bon Jovi—the creators of the legendary Jersey Shore sound.

Some of their biggest hits include: “I Don’t Want To Go Home,” “Love On The Wrong Side Of Town,” “The Fever,” “This Time It’s For Real,” “Talk To Me” and their definitive fun-time cover of “We’re Having A Party,” and with Springsteen, “It’s been a Long Time.”

To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing. Port-o-johns and wash stations will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns). Those who are attending can bring their own food, and non-alcoholic drink. Alcohol is prohibited.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites non-profit organizations to attend a free online workshop, “Social Media Marketing for Non-Profits,” on Tuesday, October 27 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Jessica Maarek, owner of the social media marketing agency Red Root Marketing, will present the workshop via Zoom.

“Union County is pleased to be offering this professional development session to grantees and other non-profits. It will provide hands-on tools that community-oriented organizations can quickly put into action in today’s media landscape,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Online registration for the workshop is required. Please go to https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/social-media-marketing-for-non-profits/ to register.

Participants will learn specific ways to optimize their social media platforms, effective methods for engaging their community in meaningful ways, and how to plan and create compelling content. Resources and tools will be provided.

This workshop is open to all arts and history organizations, especially those receiving grants through Union County’s HEART, Local Arts Program, and History Grant initiatives. Other non-profit organizations may also attend.

The workshop is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about the event please call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550. The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, please visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Each year, the Freeholder Board’s annual Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit showcases original work created by county residents aged 60 and above. The 2020 exhibit comprises 124 works of art entered by both professional and non-professional artists.

This year’s exhibit can be viewed online at www.ucnj.org/senior-art. All artwork images were submitted directly by the artists.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to showcase the artwork created by our senior citizens each year, and this year we are very pleased to present this exhibit virtually, enabling these talented artists to share their work with everyone in the community,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Professional artists Barbara Wallace, Joseph Borzotta and Alina Marin-Bliach served as jurors, designating awards in each media category.

All entries awarded First Place honors will advance to the state level, to represent Union County in the 2020 New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show.

The artworks awarded first place cover a wide variety of media and materials by professional and non-professional artists, including:

• Eileen Bonacci (Oil Painting)
• Dante Bonardi (Watercolor)
• Lynda DuBois-Jackson (Craft)
• Marcia Haller (Acrylic Painting)
• Janice Metzger (Printmaking)
• Nancy Ori (Photography)
• Leona Seufert (Digital/Computer Art)
• Barbara Uhr (Pastel)
• Roberta Zlatkin (Mixed Media)
• Anne Castellano (Pastel)
• James Colangelo (Craft)
• William Connolly (Drawing)
• Stephanie Dexter (Oil Painting)
• Nancy Fine (Mixed Media)
• Robert Gasson (Acrylic Painting)
• Deborah Mainiero (Sculpture)
• Anne Occi (Watercolor)
• Catherine Varnelas-Smith (Digital/Computer Art)
• David Weisbrod (Photography)

“Afternoon in Amsterdam,” an oil painting by professional artist Eileen Bonacci, was awarded Best of Show by a Professional Artist.

A sculpture by Deborah Mainiero, “Abstract Flower,” was awarded Best of Show by a Non-Professional Artist.

The annual Senior Citizens Art Exhibit is coordinated and administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about the virtual art gallery and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711), or visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Happy Columbus Day weekend! The Union County Freeholder Board and members of UNICO District X and Plainfields’ UNICO marked the holiday with the 12th annual Columbus Day Flag raising in Elizabeth at the County seat today. l. to r. Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Surrogate James LaCorte, Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Italian Tribune Publisher A.J. “Buddy” Fortunato, Plainfields UNICO President Bob Bengivenga, UNICO District X Governor @Anthony Bengivenga, Robert Tarte of Westfield UNICO, County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, holding the flag and others receiving the resolution.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella joined Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran at the Union County Mobile Test Unit at the Southside Firehouse in Scotch Plains. The Union County Mobile Test Unit is continuing to visit local communities to provide free COVID-19 tests for residents this fall. No car is required. All sites are available on a walk-up basis. For more details and to view the most recent schedule online visit ucnj.org/covid19/testing/walk-up-locations, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Board of Chosen Freeholders wishes to remind residents that the popular “Wildlife Wednesdays” program will continue to run each Wednesday through the end of October, with a new starting time of 6:00 PM. The previous starting time was 2:00 PM.

“Union County is striving to bring educational programs directly to our children that may not be accessible to everyone during these challenging times, and Wildlife Wednesdays is a great example of them,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I encourage residents to register for any or all of these free programs and learn more about animals and the critical role they play in our environment.”

Participation is free and open to all county residents.   Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited to the first 100 families who sign up.  The programs will be held on Zoom so a valid email and Zoom access are necessary to participate. Once registered, attendees will receive a confirmation and Zoom login information via email.        

Wildlife Wednesdays is sponsored by Union County’s Clean Communities Grant Program as educators will raise awareness on how litter can be harmful to wildlife.   Rizzo’s Wildlife World educators will bring the classroom to you and present a myriad of wildlife critters. These programs aim to discourage littering to protect the diverse wildlife found in County parks.

October 7^th’s program will feature Rainforest Animals, while October 14^th’s program will features animals that use camouflage. Stay tuned for information on future programs. 

For more information on upcoming Wildlife Wednesday, please visit www.ucnj.org/recycling/wildlife-wednesdays. 

Featuring A.J. “Buddy” Fortunato of the Italian Tribune, Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, UNICO representatives, Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced that Union County’s 12th Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising event is set for Friday, Oct. 9th, at 1 p.m., on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse. A.J. “Buddy” Fortunato, publisher of the Italian Tribune, will be this year’s special guest speaker.

“We continue to honor the achievements and contributions of Italian Americans who have made amazing contributions in all facets of life to America,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, who is emceeing the program. 

Other speakers include UNICO District X Governor Anthony Bengivenga, who is also on the Executive Board of the Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition.  The County will honor members of UNICO District X and the Plainfields’ Chapter of UNICO with a resolution.

A.J. “Buddy” Fortunato is the Publisher of The Italian Tribune newspaper, the nation’s premiere Italian American weekly publication since 1931. Buddy has long been a dynamic, dedicated member of the Italian American community and a champion for Italian heritage and culture in the United States. Born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey, he graduated from Montclair High School and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Rider College.

Few high school athletes have matched the level of Buddy’s achievements. He was an outstanding varsity baseball and football player at MHS, receiving First Team All-State honors in his sophomore, junior and senior years. He was also honored with the prestigious AAU Athletic Award. In 1999, Fortunato was selected as one of the Top Scholastic Athletes of the 20^th Century by The Star Ledger.

Following his graduation from college, Mr. Fortunato began his career in finance with Merrill Lynch in New York City. He was elected to the New Jersey State Assembly in 1977 and served for eight years

After leaving the legislature, Buddy became increasingly interested in the preservation and promotion of Italian American culture and heritage. His love for and pride in his Sicilian heritage eventually led him to purchase the Italian Tribune from his mother-in-law in 1999, at which time he assumed the position of Publisher. Under Fortunato’s leadership, the scope and influence of the English language Italian newspaper has increased on a grand scale.

He has received many awards and accolades from the Italian government and UNICO, and was inducted into the National Italian American Hall of Fame. Buddy was knighted in St. Patrick’s Cathedral as a Knight of Malta, the highest honor the Catholic Church bestows on a lay person.

Buddy and his wife of 48 years, Marion (Alagna) have two children, Jeffrey (Aleksandra) Fortunato and Sissy (James Hurley) and five grandchildren, Austin, Dallas and Lilliana Hurley and Alli and Jeffrey Fortunato.

As per the flag raising, UNICO is the nation’s largest Italian American service organization whose chapters and members engage in promoting and defending Italian culture and heritage, as well as providing scholarships, engaging in community service and other philanthropic endeavors.

UNICO District X and Plainfields’ UNICO work to organize and co-sponsor Union County’s Columbus Day event. The Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition is an Italian-American anti-bias organization formed of members nationwide that fights stereotypes and advocates on issues impacting Italian Americans.

Italian-style refreshments and pastries will be served after the program outside the historic Union County Courthouse due to COVID-19 restrictions. All those who are attending are urged to wear a mask and follow COVID-19 protocols.

Parking (pay) is available in the Midtown area at the J. Christian Bollwage Parking deck at Elizabethtown Plaza and Caldwell Place. A second deck is Elizabeth’s Parking Deck No. 6 on Jefferson Avenue and Dickinson Street—the entrance is on Dickinson Street. 

The courthouse is located at 2 Broad St. in Elizabeth at the corner of Rahway Avenue. 

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados joined Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage in thanking the staff and volunteers at the flu shot site at the Peterstown Community Center in Elizabeth. As the flu season approaches, Union County is offering a series of free flu shot drives in local communities to help ensure that everyone has access to a free seasonal flu vaccine at a convenient location, especially residents who have no health insurance. Protection against seasonal flu is more important than ever before due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Union County Flu Shot Drive is administered by the Union County Office of Health Management in the Department of Public Safety, the Visiting Nurse Association, and volunteers from the Union County Medical Reserve Corps. The Medical Reserve Corps accepts volunteers with a variety of skills both in and out of the medical profession.

For additional updates on Upcoming Flu Drives visit https://ucnj.org/covid19/upcoming-flu-clinics/.

(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)